[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E421-E422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN BUSTER EDWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding South Carolinian who has dedicated his life to protecting 
our nation's citizens. It is with great pleasure that I commend South 
Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Captain Buster Edwards 
as he retires from a second career in public service.

[[Page E422]]

  Captain Edwards was born in North Charleston, South Carolina and has 
returned to his native area, now making his home in Summerville. As a 
young 17-year-old graduate of Chicora High School, Captain Edwards 
joined the United States Marine Corps. After five months of Basic 
Training he was sent to South Vietnam where he served as an infantry 
soldier from November 1967 to June 1969. He was awarded two Purple 
Hearts for wounds he received during his tour.
  Upon returning to the States, Captain Edwards spent another 20 years 
in the Marine Corps serving at Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, and 
Twentynine Palms. While on active duty, he furthered his education 
eventually earning a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the 
College of Charleston. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1987.
  After his first career serving in the military, Captain Edwards 
sought to use his talents in law enforcement. He began his second 
career with SLED as a latent fingerprint technician in the forensic 
laboratory. Captain Edwards steadily rose through the ranks from lab 
technician to Field Agent, Lieutenant, and finally Captain. In this 
last position, he served as the Special Agent-in-Charge overseeing 
SLED's operations in the Low Country Region of South Carolina. On 
February 18, 2005, Captain Edwards retired from this second career to 
focus on his personal passions in life.
  Captain Edwards is an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church 
in Ladson, South Carolina, and helps organize crime prevention and 
awareness activities in his community. Captain Edwards has received 
several awards from the United Negro College Fund for his ongoing 
volunteer work to raise money for college scholarships. And has been 
very helpful to me as a member of my 6th Congressional District 
Advisory Committee that helps select the nominees I recommend to the 
U.S. Military Academies each year.
  Captain Edwards has two adult children, three grandchildren, and a 
son-in-law and daughter-in-law.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in 
recognizing the accomplishments of Captain Buster Edwards and 
congratulating him upon his retirement. His selfless dedication on 
behalf of his state and his country deserve commendation.

                          ____________________